Case Summary (G.R. No. 130627)
Procedural History
The case was brought before the Regional Trial Court in Aklan, Branch 5, where the accused were found guilty of murder and attempted murder. On June 18, 1997, they were sentenced to reclusion perpetua for the murder of Acevedo and received an indeterminate sentence for the attempted murder of Julito Magcope. The accused appealed this decision, contesting the sufficiency of evidence against them.
Facts of the Case
The events unfolded on July 25, 1990, when Randy Ricaforte, an employee of Acevedo, was working in the fishpond. He was approached by David Kingking, one of the accused, who was armed. Several accused subsequently opened fire on Acevedo's hut, forcing him to flee toward a nearby tower. During the pursuit, Gortayo stopped firing at Acevedo and instead used a grenade launcher, making threats against him. Ricaforte later learned of Acevedo's death, with the police finding his body at the scene.
Evidence Presented
The prosecution presented testimonies from witnesses, including Ricaforte and Magcope, who both provided detailed accounts of the shooting. They identified the accused as being actively involved in the attack. Medical examinations confirmed that Acevedo died of severe gunshot wounds, and the evidence suggested a conspiracy among the accused to kill him, driven by their lust for control over the fishpond.
Legal Findings
The trial court described the concept of "proof beyond reasonable doubt," asserting that moral certainty was all that was required for a conviction. The testimonies provided by the prosecution were found to be credible and compelling, contributing to a firm determination of guilt among the accused. Notably, the court emphasized that guilt could be established through the actions of any conspirator, thus not necessitating that each accused directly caused Acevedo's death.
Individual Culpability
The ruling detailed the specific roles each accused played in the attack, affirming that even those who did not fire their weapons could be held fully accountable for their participation in the conspiracy. There was also a reference made to Agueda T. Alba's motive against Acevedo, connected to the protracted dispute over the fishpond. The court noted the flight of some accused individuals from the scene post-crime as indicative of their guilt.
Attempted Murder
Regarding the attempted murder charge against Julito Magcope, it was determined that all accused were guilty of this offense as well. Magcope's testimony revealed that he was targeted directly after Acevedo fled, clearly showing that their intent to murder existed in relation to him.
Sentences and Damages
For the murder charge
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Case Overview
- The case involves multiple accused charged with the murder of Roberto Acevedo and the attempted murder of Julito Magcope.
- The Regional Trial Court in Aklan found five accused guilty and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua for murder and an indeterminate penalty for attempted murder.
- The incident arose from a dispute over ownership of a 41-hectare fishpond in Numancia, Aklan, culminating in Acevedo's violent death.
Facts of the Case
- On July 25, 1990, Randy Ricaforte was working at the fishpond when he was approached by David Kingking, who was armed with an M-16 rifle.
- Ricaforte was taken to Agueda T. Alba, who questioned him about his affiliation with Acevedo.
- During the encounter, several accused began firing at Acevedo's hut, prompting Acevedo to flee towards a nearby tower.
- Gortayo continued to fire at Acevedo, eventually using a rifle grenade.
- Ricaforte later learned of Acevedo's death after being taken to another location.
- Julito Magcope, Acevedo's caretaker, witnessed the shooting and narrowly escaped being shot.
Charges and Initial Proceedings
- On October 11, 1990, an information was filed against various accused for murder and attempted murder.
- The accused were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- The trial court conducted proceedings, leading to a decision rendered on June 18, 1997.
Trial Court Decision
- The trial court found several accused guilty of